lessons from michal in the bible

I will make an agreement with you. For her tragic story is not unlike many of our own. The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons for Today - Kindle edition by Bream, Shannon. Truth: Loving others well cooperates with Gods eternal purposes. of celebration. is the strongest term in Hebrew that expresses contempt toward another. Before we look at the women, lets look at David. This is really a smoke screen. This romantic tale is filled with details that would assure Q. alienation. A victim of infidelities. Saul is Israel's first king. Meyers, Carol, General Editor. What an incredibly happy time for him, a high point in his life, feeling Gods pleasure and the peoples happiness. All would do well to remember this story and how While we are clear that Michal was in love with David, it is never mentioned that David was in love with Michal. Women in Scripture. Saul is initially impressed with Davids skill so he says David you are going into the army soldier! Entrust your hurting heart to Christ alone. Let the Philistines do that!, Saul was hoping the Philistines would kill David and that would be the end of it. Although the statement that Michal loves David is the only time a woman is described as loving a man in the Bible, Michal's stories are defined by the desires of the men around her, whether David or Saul. it applies to Christians. Like a pale and spindly sapling forever caught under a canopy of larger trees, Michal is emotionally trapped by the men around her: her father, King Saul and her husband, King David. People mistreat us so we turn our backs on Christ. Michal serves as a warning against fixating on our suffering. In love with David, Michal proved her loyalty to her husband over her father when she saved David from her father's attack on his life. Now she was one of many wives. His first plan is to offer David his oldest daughter in marriage. Gods people stand trial before their Creator for turning away from Him and from others (6:17:20). religious zeal was dead. Before we leave this story, to get some insight into Davids thinking, we need to look at Psalm 59. King Saul in the Historiography of Judah. Today, most of the time, I stop before I use those reckless words. I depend daily on the Holy Spirit to help me with my words and Ive learned you cant be perfect, so just let it go. David pays double the bride price, and Michal becomes his wife. David faced a number of personal attacks from King Saul but escaped So Ish-Bosheth gave orders and had her taken away from her husband Paltiel son of Laish. I mentioned earlier that Michal was his wife, then she wasnt and then she was again. She could not see the goodness of God because David was a bad representation of who God really is. 2 Samuel 3:16 So Ish-Bosheth gave orders and had her taken away from her husband Paltiel son of Laish. Michal: Bible | Jewish Women's Archive When Michal was given to Paltiel, there is no record of David having such an emotional reaction. Your browser does not support JavaScript. Its that cover-up that becomes a breaking point in Davids life. She is "of good sense and beautiful in looks," while he is "hard and evil in his deeds" (v. 3). You will have to decide whether you think Michals story is seemingly sad or not. This scene of He took Jerusalem from the Jebusites by force and made it his capital (2 Samuel 5:1-16). Let us know. The first lesson we learn from Michal is dont marry someone who is not in love with you. But stop for a minute. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It was hard for David too. Think parade, think big parade, think of Macys Thanksgiving Parade. Love is not just about what you say with your mouth, but more. Alter, Robert. <> When bitterness replaces affection there will be definite consequences Our job is to discover that purpose. But rather than leave Gods people with the fear and sting of judgment, the book of Micah concludes with the prophets call Includes cross references, discussion questions, verse by verse commentary, outline, and applications for small groups. Because it seems like David never gave that type of love to Michal, eventually over time she went from being in love with him to despising him. separation! Last thing we know about her, a tragic statement for her, living in her times. However this romantic tale lacks the conclusion where the couple Or perhaps it was a strategic political move. }GBu$*,H H*RAh#c*"!klwGIHNTIc5p;x 'P.zV5 8h.Cx'UdEW'$f~RqB`Y(;/+Mh7Y}(&6 13 feet tall, this larger-than-life physical size was intended to capture Davids colossal spiritual strength. For eight to ten years the lovers The differences in their faith is too great an obstacle because one seeks 2 Samuel 21:7-14 ICB - Bible There is no indication that they ever saw each other Michals love for David helps explain both the risk she takes to save Davids life in1 Samuel 19and, later, her angry outburst at him in2 Samuel 6, when her love has turned to hate. David also likes the deal. To blame God for mans shortcomings is almost equivalent to reducing God to an imperfect being. She is not a wife, not a concubine but a care-giver, an essential care-giver. Bible Gateway Plus. is critical in marriages and homes. these had become concrete during the ten year period of separation. She placed God on equality with the teraphim (19:16). He came in expecting to find a joyous feast, Please note, our website requires JavaScript to be supported. But Michal, Davids wife, warned him, If you dont run for your life tonight, tomorrow youll be killed. So Michal let David down through a window, and he fled and escaped. James 3:1-10 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. Then Michal took an idol and laid it on the bed, covering it with a garment and putting some goats hair at the head (1 Samuel 19:11-13). worship. She was Davids first wife, and she loved him long before she despised him (1 Sam 18: 28). While David was playing the lyre, 10 Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall. David accepts, but on one condition. this ridicule gave David the insight to write Psalms 52:2; 57:4; 120:3. Today's lesson is found in 1 Samuel 19. He wandered in the wilderness. Abigail, the wife of Nabal of Carmel, is the only woman in the Hebrew Bible who is described as both intelligent and beautiful. The once-tender relationship was Valley Forge, PA: 1993. Such is critical in the Lords Church. Her bitterness blocked her blessing: 2 Sam 6:20 says, And David returned to bless his household. Michal, daughter of Saul, married David. Decisions are made for her as she is handed off from one man to another and trapped by power grabs. Alphabetical Exposition of Named Bible Women . But I demand one thing of you: Do not come into my presence unless you bring Michal daughter of Saul when you come to see me. 14 Then David sent messengers to Ish-Bosheth son of Saul, demanding, Give me my wife Michal, whom I betrothed to myself for the price of a hundred Philistine foreskins., Why does he want her back? 3 Lessons from Jochebed - Hebrews 12 Endurance David also expressed that he had a prior claim to Michal. Along the way, David remarries. So, I came into a marriage with the thinking I could say anything that was true, or honest, or right even if it was harsh and critical. in the Bible. Michal was the first, and in some ways, the most interesting, of Davids wivesshe is a full-fledged character with opinions and emotions of her own.4 Adele Berlin, Michals story is a sad one. Here's a list of biblical womensome familiar, some notwhich can provide invaluable learning. I cant imagine how painful her words felt to him at this moment. Why are they included in the Word of God? Michal enters the story, I Samuel 18:20-21 Now Sauls daughter Michal was in love with David, and when they told Saul about it, he was pleased. Marriage is a lifetime of giving and receiving love, over and over again. Here are these lessons! While the Can you picture the scene; the ark is being brought up the hill, in the middle of the street, the crowds are following, singing, dancing, tambourines are playing. Is it any wonder that she looked at David and despised him (2 Samuel 6:16)? Cambridge: 1992. The first story is when she falls in love with David, marries him and protects his life from her father Saul. their wedding and as they lived together the first few years. Help us elevate the voices of Jewish women. Saul uses Michal again. Have we protected and defended them? Scorned. 2 Samuel 3:13-16 paints a very poignant picture of Michals husband following her. He was chosen by God after the people refused God as their king and expressed their desire to be more like the surrounding nations ( 1 Sam. Their quarrel raises another important issue by repeatedly referring to the kingship: the rejection of the house of Saul in favor of the house of David. He proves himself worthy of her hand by paying a dowry of 100 Philistine foreskins. Let me read to you some different versions of this passage. Michals love story highlights the all too familiar story of what II Sam 6:20 How glorious the king of Israel looked today! Even after they married, Saul tried to kill David. Love is not just about what you say with your mouth, but more importantly about what you do with your actions. But Michelangelo saw something in that rock; by 1504 he had taken that rough piece of stone and transformed it into a masterpiece called David. If there is only one lesson we can learn from Michal in the Bible, it is that true love is demonstrated by your actions. Chapter 9: Out of Step 1 Samuel 18:1-30, 19:1-18, 2 Samuel 3:13-16, and 6:12-23 When we first meet Michal, she has fallen in love with a handsome young musician named David. I have come to care deeply for these women who influenced Davids life and I look forward to meeting each of them; there must be so much more to their stories. The reunion of David and Michal occurred after King Sauls death. We dont know but perhaps the family was unable to pay the dowry. I sensed God was saying to me: He is right and you need to really love this person. Basic Books, 2011. ben Ayun, Chaya. A notable exception is Michals protest against Davids actions after Sauls death, which she deems vulgar. This little plan of Michals was used of God for eternal purposes. Do you speak differently to your family than you do at work? Maybe hes called you to love someone whos unlovely or unloving? Sheffield, England: 1991. The Gospel Coalition exists to equip the next generation of believers, pastors, and church leaders to shape life and ministry around the gospel. With that definition, everyone in this room is an influential person. cost to others. had enjoyed (2 Sa 3:1). She was taken! There is no clear reason why she despised him, so I would like to offer a possibility. connected to our faith. We view David, on the other hand, as an icon of what worship should look like. You can read 1 Samuel 18 to fill in the gaps. gradually yield convictions for what is called peace. They only find What I interpreted that to mean for me was being good really meant you should be perfect. 4 Lessons Michal Has for Building a Healthy Marriage. Was she happy with him? This was about the way she had been treated by David prior to this moment. Who Was Abigail in the Bible? Lessons from Her Story - Christianity.com Who was Michal in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Another reason is that we can learn life lessons from them. Lets set the context of our story. While waiting for the doctor, I was in the examining room talking to the nurse who was taking my blood pressure How are you doing today? I asked. All rights reserved. The Women of the Bible Speak: The Wisdom of 16 Women and Their Lessons :k`tKVH#G)v4I\g-lB Im just amazed arent you that God wants to use us too and our little lives for Kingdom purposes. Pursuing her life passion to teach the Word of God, train leaders and connect people in community, Dianne Miller has dedicated years as a teaching leader in Bible Study Fellowship as well as directing Womens Ministries at the Church of the Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia and Northwest Bible Church, More. I know I am very capable of still using words that pierce like a sword. of contempt. The great affection these newly weds shared is evident in the Im not blaming my parents, or their parents, that was just the way I was. Arise to help me; look on my plight! David wrote an account Jewish Women's Archive. She protected him. Adelman, Rachel. 4 Lessons Michal Has for Building a Healthy Marriage When you read this again, we see that David wanted Michal back. Never Judge by Appearances. The reunion officially took place at Hebron. She was used by her paranoid father, King Saul (1 Sam 18:20). After enumerating Nabal's enormous wealth in flocks (1 Sam 25:2), the narrative introduces her in contrast to him. Proverbs 12:18 Reckless words pierce like a sword But the tongue of the wise brings healing, Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and deathAnd those who love it will eat its fruit. Here are 15 lessons from King David 's life we can all live by: 1. I wonder if she was crying with him? So, the oldest daughter Merab is given to another man. This is critical to any marriage if it is going to be successful. Salem Media Group. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. took the place of affection. "And Michal the daughter of Saul loved David" (I Samuel 18:20). I Corinthians 13:4-8a Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs, love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth, it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, love never fails. Influence means the power to change or affect someone or something (Websters Dictionary). What had happened to her in those 10-15 years? She is eventually cast aside, having no children to call her own.5 Lindsay Hardin Freeman. However, she made the right decision because she chose her husband. He was about to be reunited King David genuinely worshipped God with all his might on that joyful day, and she despised him for it. greater turmoil! She rescued the husband she loved from certain death. Michal saves Davids life by orchestrating his escape through the window when Sauls envoys come for him(1 Samuel 19). sarcasm is tragic when it appears in any relationship! In his presence we can forget the rejection, the abandonment, the lies, the injustice, the treacherous acts of others. Where does the injustice dwell in your own life? But beyond all that, if David was seen as Sauls son-in-law once again, David could claim to be legitimate successor to Sauls throne.9. Michal learned of the plot and helped David escape by covering ,38dJ|U"R' W`'Z;gzj'3$BX|wGHAx2jp8/:xPo^hy"c}'C~u[oEHg=lPSM)a= xSdOHS]jE\Jwa\u:5qs= 55kov@mkMgKKgd_ /T-rV2Va.f)(/ She is a bookworm who loves to write. Insight's Old Testament Handbook: A Practical Look at Each Book, Insight's Bible Application Guide: IsaiahMalachiA Life Lesson from Every Chapter, Gods Masterwork, Volume Four: An Invitation to ReturnA Survey of HoseaMalachi. Chapter 2. Many Christians have been de-spiritualized by this action. Her bitterness despised anothers overflowing joy: How she loathed her husbands dancing. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in Gods likeness. Remember Stop again for just a moment. What has happened? Lets determine to live as God desiresto do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). Is it really a mystery that she was not moved by watching him worship God? Did Michal Have Children or Not? | Answers in Genesis God! She masterminded his escape. In those moments he would hurl his spear at David trying to pin him down, to intimidate him, to scare him, ultimately to kill him. He has on the linen garment of a priest and hes out front right behind the ark, leading the people in worship and singing and dancing. David suffered loss. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. She accused him of being improperly dressed in front of the girls. David has killed Goliath, thats what everyone is talking about; this young, good-looking guy. It is this same failing that is responsible for many marriages Things had drastically changed over ten years and the It's what he does. The seemingly little acts of these four women dramatically influenced David and radically changed the world around him. the kingly garments for the dress of the ordinary citizen. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com. The only way one can maintain unity 1 David: The Shepherd and The Warrior, SimpleToRemember.com; Judaism Online. Do not let someones bad behaviour prevent you from your own worship experience. The story up to this point was nothing short of tragic. [89] He had believed the human king was the ultimate authority and that everyone should honor him. 16 Her husband, however, went with her, weeping behind her all the way to Bahurim. Abruptly she stopped and apologized saying Im trying to leave my family problems at home, but thats hard. Yes, it is hard. The story continues as David flees and escapes into the wilderness, Michal does not see him again for many years. was no national concern for God (1 Chron 13:3). Copyright 2023 The Gospel Coalition, INC. All Rights Reserved. Bath-shua ( Bathsheba) the daughter of Ammiel The Number, Location, and Mothers of David's Children David was married to Ahinoam, Abigail, Maacha, Haggith, Abital, and Eglah during the 7-1/2 years he reigned in Hebron as king of Judah. Im so visual and I remember when David became real to me. The Ark was a symbol of Gods law; a reminder of his provision; a place to know Gods will; a token of Gods holiness; the place of atonement; and a powerful reflection of the very presence of God. There are parallels between this scene, in which Michal deceives her father, and Rachels theft of the family teraphim and deception of her father, Laban(Genesis 31), in which the teraphim are ridiculed. of this escape in Psalm 59. So, lets look at the women surrounding the life of David, the man after Gods own heart. But Michal, Davids wife, warned him, If you dont run for your life tonight, tomorrow youll be killed.12 So Michal let David down through a window, and he fled and escaped. I didnt see that my words were unkind or cruel. occurs. He is the author ofThe Pursuit of Purpose which will help you understand how God leads you into his will. So, what is the lesson we can learn from Michal in this aspect of her life? One of the ways this is marked is by the way Michal is described early on, and how she is described now. . This moment and the language used to describe Michal show that despite her relationship with David, she is associated with her fathers house, and not with that of King David. This wasnt about Davids worship. Art by Sefira Lightstone. She had been trained under Sauls monarchy. such homes there is the added sorrow of knowing that two people have pledged Foolish This book will teach you how to put the pieces together so you can live a victorious Christian life and finally become the man or woman of God that you truly desire to be. Michals love for David was used by her father King Saul, to get rid of David. As Chuck was talking, Christ was also talking to my heart. your first year. You may have had or currently have a difficult father-in-law or mother-in-law, but this is the extreme: to have your father-in-law want to kill you. Its evident from the text that Saul was both mentally and emotionally unstable. Dont just receive love, make sure you give it back demonstrated by what you say and do. He asks "Don't you have any more sons?" One woman saved his life from certain death. After Michals brother Ish-bosheth is assassinated (II Samuel 4:6), David, who is 33 years old, becomes King over all Israel and captures Jerusalem for his capital city. Michal is on her way back to David. How about you? Her father and her brother, Jonathan (Davids BFF), died the same day in battle (1 Sam 31). If you take away anything from Michals story, perhaps it will be this: Lynne is a member of Christ Church Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa and serves within the Support Ministries Team in Griefshare. Either way she is a vital part of Davids story; she is an important influence in his life. but he walked straight into a hornets nest. The first words to greet And we know that God is perfect as was the only perfect being to walk the earth: Jesus. Her religion While he had only uninhibited praise to give, all she could think of was the many disappointments she had faced at his hands, and the hands of her own father. What occurs whenever affection God gave him control of Judah and many other territories. Photo credit: Getty Images/ProstockStudio. Michal wanted the life of royalty; she wanted nothing to do This time, Saul gives him a way to pay the bride price: go to battle and bring back 100 Philistine foreskins and you can have my second daughter. Her character shows us that women of God can be humble, wise, and diplomatic. Hurtful? Store; Bibles; Deals; More; As low as $2.92/mo. disintegration of the love and affection of David and Michal. dashed to pieces. However, it is the actions of Paltiel that truly demonstrated his love for Michal. The Cross And Christs Suffering For Sins (1 Peter 3:18-22), 6. In contrast, because of Christ we remain fruit-bearing women to his glory, even in desert times. Most of us have been to a wedding and seen that joy and glow. hero and King. View Chuck Swindoll's chart of Micah, which divides the book into major sections and highlights themes and key verses. What Every Christian Should Know about the Protestant Reformation. Save 30%! two young lovers were very much different. Michal, King David's First Wife - Learn Religions Michals singular failing was that she failed to honor God in Are Dreams and Visions Messages from God? It is only in worship that we can forget ourselves and focus on our Saviour. Rejected. The scriptures tell us she loves David. David comes back with proof of not 100 but 200 dead Philistines that he has killed. Life of David: 11. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. . In fact, he brings double. Parousia: The Bible and the Mass - St. Paul Center His next move is to go home and bless his household. David ended with a godly blessing for all the people, sent them away with take home boxes of more food. Finally negotiations were successful and the two In the Bible there are key moments in her life that give us important lessons about relationships and marriage. In But God was someone she knew nothing about. Michal is the daughter of King Saul ( 1 Sam. David is made King of Judah for 7 years while Michals brother, Sauls son, Ish-bosheth is King in Israel. Just received Chuck's "Stuff I've Learned That I'll Never Forget" CD in the mail yesterday. Psalm 139 tells us that we have been uniquely created as human beings. We attended a wedding recently in New Orleans. Lockyer's All the Women of the Bible. 2. He is losing his grip on his throne and David is going to replace him. No doubt this was cause for celebration of humongous proportions. warring parties (King Sauls troops and Davids troops) were united (2 Listen to Davids response: II Samuel 6:21-22 David said to Michal, It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lords people IsraelI will celebrate before the Lord. Exum, J. Cheryl. 1SA 18:17 "Saul said to David, 'Here is my older daughter Merab. Some commentators take the presence of teraphim as a sign that Michal holds to false religious beliefs, but it should be noted that the teraphim are in Davids house. Women of Influence is a phrase thats not original to me. 2. falling apart today. Public worship was neglected; The David stories alternate between a presentation of the private man and the public figure, so that in the end family affairs and affairs of state are intermingled, each having an effect (influence) upon the other.3 Adele Berlin. As you look back over your life, can you see where God has used other people to lovingly protect you? David is so happy and so excited that finally the ark, the ark of Moses, the representation of Gods presence to His chosen people, will be with him in the city. Who are the lowly in your life? Not just love that is received, but also love that is given. Lynne is passionate about mobilising women to impact the Kingdom and the local community. In this sequence, God reminds the people of His good works on their behalf, how He cared for them while they cared only for themselves. She was calling him an empty-headed fool (cf Mt 5:22). In homes where joy ought to reign, many are filled love were fondly treasured in his mind. Chuck has a way of saying it the way it is! He cries and pleads, until the fearsome Abner viciously turns him away. 10 Dr. Thomas Constable, Constables Notes, NET Bible Study Suite www.NetBible.org. information to plot Davids death. Michals childlessness is not accounted for (did David confine her, as he shut away other wives[2 Sam 20:3]?) Date of Writing: The Book of Micah was likely written between 735 and 700 B.C. Michal knew of God but she did not truly know 2 Samuel 21:8. As a child, you must also recognize that once married, your first obligation is to your spouse and not your parents. Her words revealed she despised David. The love story of David and Michal, the daughter of Saul, a Life of David Inductive Bible Study - 1 Samuel 18 - Study and Obey The ark symbolised Gods presence in the midst of Israel. God has created us, as women, all of us, with purpose and the ability to affect our world for good or bad. Michals appearances in 12 Samuel reflect her confinement as a woman caught in the fierce struggle over the kingship between her father, Saul, and her husband, David. 11 Biblical Women We Can Learn From - Crosswalk.com II Sam 6:16 As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. After escaping he does not bother coming back for her. during this period. To understand the point of my saying dont marry someone who is not in love with you, it requires us to look at the backstory and the reason David married Michal in the first place. 1) Merab, Michal's older sister, was offered to David as wife to in order to endanger him (1SA 18:17). Bad Girls of the Bible: Michal - Liz Curtis Higgs News reached We see two parallel truths: Truth: Love protects and love defends even at personal risk. They would have surely pierced my heart. x\[o8~}X*bHN:vv-v8Mf.uj[EQ|B7etItuxP%kwY[j~xlyx7HFlwWDt.3Qf FY~?mk1rZu7y;;mt"7F-|xp&hKaM[ 21 I will give her to him, he thought, so that she may be a snare to him and so that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. So, Saul said to David, Now you have a second opportunity to become my son-in-law.. She has not seen his hand of provision. (I Samuel 18:20). Inductive Bible study on the life of David from 1 Samuel 18.